A scene now disappeared forever-acres of flax growing in the Makerua swamp.
The leaf of the native New Zealand flax plant contains a strong coarse fibre which was made into ropes and cordage, and in later years, woolpacks and bindertwine.
The leaves of the plant are 3 ft to loft long and 3 inches to 4 inches wide when fully grown.
It took the flaxplant 3 to 4 years to grow to a sufficient size to allow cutting.
Note the seed stalks growing above the flax which the flaxies called "claddy-sticks."
The bush in the background marked the boundary of the swamp and was a popular hunting area.
Photo: J. McNeile - used in Bob Ayson's book Miranui.